The Provincial Internal Affairs Service has opened a formal investigation into allegations that four Sevilla Municipal Police Station officers beat a baragay councilor recently, with authorities saying the probe could result in dismissal proceedings if evidence holds.
Ewon Barangay Kagawad Eric Gumanoy filed an administrative complaint against Capt. Amory Napoles, Master Sgt. Leo Leopoldo, Master Sgt. Reynaldo Fernandez and Pat. Reymon Misa, accusing them of mauling him Feb. 10, 2026.
PIAS lawyer Luigi Anthony Bongalos said the investigation was formally opened Feb. 16 and is expected to be completed within 15 days, after which case findings will be forwarded to the Internal Affairs Service regional office for a probable cause determination.
“If probable cause is found, a summary hearing will follow, where respondents will be required to submit their counter-affidavits and supporting evidence,” Bongalos said.
Officers found guilty could face suspension or, in severe cases, dismissal from service.
Bongalos said Gumanoy has positively identified the four officers and submitted more than a dozen video clips to corroborate his account.
Investigators have also conducted interviews with the complainant and witnesses and have secured CCTV footage from the scene.
Notably, Bongalos said Gumanoy’s sworn statement contradicts police claims that a buy-bust operation was underway at the time of the incident.
According to Bongalos, there are no records of such an operation and no coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency was logged for that date.
The respondents have not yet been asked to submit counter-affidavits, as that step comes later in the administrative process.
PIAS is also not summoning the four officers at this stage, Bongalos said, as the office is focused on building the case before transmitting it to the regional office.
Bongalos added that PIAS does not have the authority to impose suspension or restrictions on the officers while the case is pending — that authority rests solely with the unit commander.
No Whitewash
The Bohol Police Provincial Office said it is taking the allegations seriously and pledged a transparent investigation.
“There will be no whitewash or extension of any consideration as a means to cover up any lapses committed by police officers,” the BPPO said in a statement.
The office confirmed it had conducted an initial review of CCTV footage to ensure the investigation is grounded in solid evidence.
Bohol police also appealed to the public to allow the process to proceed without interference and to refrain from spreading unverified information that could compromise the inquiry.
“We are committed to transparency, fairness and the rule of law,” the BPPO said, adding that police officers must serve as role models and protectors of the public’s rights.
Sources familiar with the proceedings say an out-of-court settlement is not expected in the administrative case against the four Sevilla officers.
PIAS said Gumanoy may additionally file separate complaints before the National Police Commission and the Office of the Ombudsman against the respondents, potentially broadening the legal jeopardy they face.
The investigation remains at the evidence-gathering stage, with PIAS reviewing video footage to establish the identities of the suspects and corroborate witness accounts.